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| Traveling back to AK with friends:) |
It seems as if months have passed since I last wrote an update on life here in bush Alaska. I believe that most of that has to do with the three week long winter break that we just returned from. Over the few weeks that I was home, I spent time in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Getting the chance to visit with the people I love helped to rejuvenate and prepare me for the second semester. I am thankful that our school district allows for a longer winter break so teachers can travel down to the lower 48. However, as much as I loved getting home and hated to say my “see you laters”, by the end of break I was ready to get back to my quiet little village.
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| Sunset over Iliamna Lake |
Since I have been back, things have been going really well. Marathon shopping is becoming easier and easier with each trip, and as always it felt great to get home and unpack. During our first week back, I was worried that my students would need time to get back into the routine and that they would be bouncing off the walls. However, my kiddos jumped back into school life with great attitudes. I guess I’m not the only one who was ready to get back to school! They kept up the great work throughout their second week, and I’m hoping this positivity doesn’t fizzle out too soon.
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A bonfire to fight
off the "Monday blues" |
One thing that has kept my writing group motivated and excited about writing is sending letters back and forth to their Pennsylvania pen pals. My aunt and I have been working with our students to send letters between our classes. On today’s mail run, I got a box with our names on it and I am excited to share it with my students tomorrow. We didn’t have school today, and I am just a little bit ashamed to say that I eagerly opened the box to see what was inside. I did however tape it back up so that my students will never know that I peaked (let's keep this information between us). They are going to be thrilled to get their package tomorrow and to begin writing back to their pals!
As for non-school news, I was hoping to come back to a very cold Alaska, but sadly the temperatures here have been pretty warm. I was envious of the snow fall that the east coast got this past weekend (although I don’t envy the problems associated with that much snow at once). Unfortunately, the lake thawed out quite a bit over break and we are back to crossing back and forth with a boat. Hopefully things will freeze up again soon. Even though crossing isn’t as easy, I have been able to get down to Newhalen and spend time outside adventuring with Sam and friends.
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| Not too shabby |
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| Having fun on Whistlewing Bay |
This past weekend, Sam and I went on a honda ride with friends to a place called Whistlewing Bay. I’ve never been there so it was fun to visit a new place. After we picked a spot out of the wind, we set up some targets and did some shooting. Over winter break, I finally made the decision to purchase a gun to take out on runs and walks around the villages. Living in Alaska has been an incredible experience, but I have spent many runs and walks feeling uneasy and hyperaware of my inability to fend off possible predators. Knowing that wolves had been around my village over winter break was the final factor in my choice to make this purchase. I have been working on becoming more comfortable with my gun and learning the ins and outs of owning one and taking care of it. This weekend was a nice chance to practice shooting, and it was fun to be able to get out with friends to do so. However, there was only so much shooting that my friend and I could do before we found other things to keep us occupied while the boys continued their target practice. I was just as happy to take in the scenery, snap some pictures, and enjoy the fresh air.
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A beaver lodge we
found on our adventure |
As if I didn't have enough of an adventure during the day, I felt my first earthquake Saturday night! It was such a strange feeling and, to be honest, I didn’t even realize it was an earthquake for the first few seconds. It was a gentle rumble that shook the walls and everything in the room. I would say it lasted at least 30 seconds, but then again I wasn't concerned with timing it. While I didn't feel that I was in any danger at all, I certainly don’t want to feel a stronger earthquake, or any earthquake for that matter, anytime soon. Luckily, there was no damage in the villages, but I have heard that there was more damage throughout the state.
Unfortunately, this weekend also brought with it sad news as we learned of the passing of a young student in one of our schools. My heart aches for the family of this young boy, but also for the teachers at the school site. All teachers get attached to their students, but when you have less than thirty students in your entire school, connections are much deeper. A loss like this will be felt throughout our district, especially in the northern sites.
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| The Northern Lights!! |
While the weekend ended on a somber note, it also reminds me to count my blessings and further proves that we never know when our time will come. My students and I have started off the year, and will continue, enjoying and celebrating the little things that life has to offer. During our first week back, the village celebrated Russian Orthodox New Years and someone set off fireworks the next morning. The student who was in my room at the time quickly shut off the lights and we spent a few minutes by the window watching the show. Later that day, another one of my students chose to forego free choice time on the iPad to go for a walk down to the lake to watch the sunrise. I was so proud that she chose outside time over screen time, and happily obliged. Finally, my favorite moment from last week was when the teachers and I were greeted at school by a rare morning sighting of the Northern Lights. We stood outside and couldn't help but feel blessed as we watched the lights danced through the sky.
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| A sunrise walk with a sweet student |
I am continuously reminded how incredibly lucky I am to be living where I live and doing what I do. I wish I could share this experience with more people, and I am eager to be able to share it with some family members who will be visiting later this semester (be prepared for an obnoxious amount of pictures during that time). I am looking forward to the rest of the semester and hoping that it passes by without too many challenges. Stay tuned to hear about the rest of my adventures in the next few months, and stop by in two weeks to hear about my upcoming trip to Anchorage!
*This link leads to a page where funds are being raised to help the family who lost the student with funeral costs and other expenses. Any donation will help during this tragic time.
